I Wrote 31 Memos in 31 Days. Here's What I Learned.

As a freelance copywriter, I am tasked to write about a lot of things. My favourite topics are travel, the environment, sustainability, animal rights and psychology, and in my day-to-day work, I mostly stay in my lane.

Memod gives me a chance to break out of my comfort zone.

Writing for Memod, I delve into otherwise daunting topics like economics, science, relationships, management, lifestyle, scriptwriting, sport and even TV.

For August, I set myself an ambitious target: to write 31 memos in 31 days.

Here is just some of what I learned:

Inspiration is everywhere : Use TV, radio, internet, conversation and news. If I find it interesting, others might too.

Read more : Memod is full of captivating commentary, encompassing a wide range of topics, viewpoints, and perspectives. I start my day reading trending memos.

Take notes : I start stories on paper. Longhand is an excellent way to organise your thoughts, form a loose structure and keep track of the important parts.

Prepare to pivot : When researching a topic, I may stumble across another, more interesting concept. I'm ready to pivot!

Research is key : Occasionally a fact (or two) may slip past, especially when dealing with very complex matters. Learning how to research effectively is an essential skill for any writer. Check out this checklist for efficacious research:

Scrutinise all sources : Realising what publications, websites and journals are most factual, up-to-date and accessible improves my authority and reduces the required research considerably. No fake news here!

Write what you know, learn what you don’t : Its easy to write about my niche, but did I learn anything? No. Stretching myself, investigating and adding to my knowledge is vital for my growth as a writer.

Editing is brutal : Some topics are so complex and convoluted I could write for days. Memod’s format means my words can’t wander. Self-editing is another crucial skill for a writers toolbox. Its difficult, brutal even, but very necessary and very educational!

Take Time : Setting aside an appropriate amount of time to construct a memo is vital to its success. The reader can tell if the writer is hurried or disinterested. Don't forget to add on extra time for the research information rabbit hole you might fall into!

The most rewarding thing about my month of memos was immersing myself in the learn-as-you-go, informal educational style and the huge variety of reading material and subject matter on Memod.

Exposure to new topics, ideas and concepts has improved my writing immeasurably!